Road trip from Rome to Sicily
The well-known island of Sicily, situated in the center of the Mediterranean, has a distinct old-world charm. You will simultaneously encounter dazzling lakes, craggy volcanoes, lush green nature reserves, vivid islands, hilltop villages, and historic ruins on this road trip from Rome to Sicily in Italy.
It will take about 13 hours to drive the 1,070 kilometers from Rome to Sicily. Among the noteworthy destinations are Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, Naples, Salerno, Messina, Catania, Syracuse, Anagni, Amalfi Coast, Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius, Civitavecchia, and Palermo.
As you travel through a variety of landscapes, renowned sites, and breathtaking coastlines, discover the finest of Sicily and Southern Italy. Discover the top routes, destinations, and activities for this amazing road trip by reading on.
How long will the road trip take from Rome to Sicily?
| Route | Distance | Travel time |
| The Catania Route | 1070 Kilometres | 13 hours |
| The Palermo Route | 400 Kilometres | 05 hours |
The first route, known as the Catania Route, is 1,070 miles long and takes roughly 13 hours to complete. Please note that traveling to the island will involve a brief ferry ride from Villa San Giovanni to Messina.
A shorter drive to Sicily can be made by the second route, the Palermo Route via Civitavecchia. This route, which does not include the ferry ride from Civitavecchia to Palermo, covers 400 kilometers of road trip in 5 hours and 20 minutes.
Both paths will lead you through stunning but very distinct parts of Italy. Even if you can finish the trip in a few days, we advise you to devote six to eight days to see all the stunning locations along the way.
Ideal road trip route from Rome to Sicily
The Catania Route will take you to some of the most stunning places along Southern Italy’s Western Coast, as well as some breathtaking inland views, despite being much longer.
Highlights include the birthplace of pizza, Napoli, the stunning scenery along Sicily’s eastern coast, and an amazing tour through a number of provincial and national parks.
The Palermo Route, on the other hand, can work for you if you have already visited Southern Italy and would like to stay longer in Sicily. Soak the lovely boat voyage from Civitavecchia to Palermo and soak in the splendor of the Tyrrhenian Sea. To avoid problems at the last minute, remember to purchase your ticket in advance.
If you want to take your time seeing the Palermo region, this route is ideal. Admire Sicily’s heart and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage. Then, for the once-in-a-lifetime experience, drive to the location of Mount Etna, an active volcano.
The Catania Route
To go to Naples, leave Central Rome and take the A24. Once you’ve finished sightseeing, head south on the A30. Admire the lush surroundings as you pass Partenio Regional Park on your left and Vesuvio National Park on your right.
Since the route here passes through the winding lanes of Pollino National Park and along the boundaries of Vallo di Diano National Park, Cilento, and Monti Picentini Regional Park, you will soon be able to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views.
Travel between the sea and the mountains on the E45 to Villa San Giovanni.. You can enter the city of Messina on the island of Sicily by taking a ferry.
The Palermo Route (via Civitavecchia)
From Rome’s capital, head south and then continue west on A91. To get to Civitavecchia, turn right onto the E80 and travel north along the sea.
From Civitavecchia, take a ferry to Palermo.
After touring the stunning Palermo, leave the city and head east on the E90. Admire Sicily’s amazing beaches as you travel around the coast. Once you have crossed the Grande River, drive parallel to the river by turning right on A19.
For a picturesque journey to Mount Etna, travel through the forest and turn left onto SS290. Get off the winding route and head back towards Catania on the A19.
Continue driving through the highlands after making a sharp left turn on SP24. You will arrive at Mount Etna after making a couple of U-turns.
Ideal places to stop between Rome and Sicily
Planning everything effectively can be stressful because there are so many sights to view and activities to partake in on both routes. We have compiled a list of some excellent lodging options to assist you in making your trip easier.
A cultural retreat in Naples
When traveling from Rome to Sicily via the Catania Route, Naples is a great place to stop. We recommend treating yourself to a full meal and an exciting opera in Naples after a long day of driving and traveling a third of the way.
The world’s pizza capital is Naples. Thus, indulge in a genuine pizza experience at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, a restaurant that has been around for 150 years. We recommend walking to the Ovo or the Egg Castle if you have a great desire to learn more about the past.
A stunning view of the land and water can be seen from this historic location. For an amazing musical experience, see an opera at the oldest opera house in Europe, Teatro di San Carlo.
Enjoy a glass of wine to round off your exciting day and unwind in your magnificent hotel room at The Britannique Hotel Naples. This contemporary hotel is located in the peaceful Vomero neighborhood, near to the city center by metro but also reachable from the highway.
The majority of the rooms have a great view of the Naples Gulf, and the hotel’s superb on-site restaurant serves a delicious complimentary breakfast.
You are welcome to park your car there and use local transit to explore the city.
Enjoy the nightlife in Palermo
The capital of Sicily, Palermo, is located halfway along the Palermo Route, which connects Rome and Sicily. Explore Palermo’s vibrant nightlife after a day of driving and ferry boat travel.
While in the city, take in the breathtaking architecture and the striking, well-known fountain at Piazza Pretoria, also known as the Grand Square, and experience the world of music at the Massimo Theater, the city’s opera theater.
We suggest that you relax and rest at the renowned Grand Hotel Wagner for an unforgettable hospitality experience. Amid all the upscale luxury stores and amazing eateries, the building features old furniture that has been refurbished from the 20th century.
Savor contemporary conveniences like a sauna, massage, and fitness center while taking in the old-world elegance. Enjoy a nice drink in their cocktail bar to cap off your day after a hearty breakfast.
You can easily visit the city’s rich cultural heritage sites because of its central location. The Palermo Cathedral from the 12th century, which houses famous royal tombs, is among the most breathtaking attractions.
Places to stay when you reach Sicily
With its expansive coastline, lively culture, and active volcano, Mount Etna, Sicily is undoubtedly one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. As a result, there are many excellent places to stay. We recommend staying at the very conveniently placed Hotel Sant’Elia in Messina for this road trip.
The hotel is in the heart of the city, and you can walk to attractions like the Fountain of Orion and the church in Messina. Additionally, it only takes two minutes to go to the port where you can catch a ferry back to mainland Italy.
The hotel offers spacious, well-appointed rooms with a 24-hour lobby. The buffet breakfast spread, the elegant setting, and the antique furnishings will all be favorites.
Traveling by car from Rome to Sicily is a great way to take in the stunning scenery, endless beaches, towering mountains, historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and innumerable World Heritage sites along the way.
To make the most of the road trip, we have selected a few must-see landmarks and stunning locations along this route.
The Catania Route
1.Anagni- This charming ancient town on the Catania route is well-known for its renowned church and upscale dining establishments.
2.Fontana Fraterna- Enjoy the fabled thousand-year-old, delectable alpine water at this historical site, which is an hour’s detour from the Catania route.
3.Caserta- On this journey, see Caserta, the first of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The medieval palace and its gardens are a delight to behold.
4.Amalfi Coast- Amalfi beach is a well-known tourist destination, with the Tyrrhenian Sea on one side and a cliff on the other. Savor leisurely strolls, laid-back afternoons, soothing swims, tanning, and breathtaking sunsets along the Amalfi coast.
5.Mount Vesuvius- One of the few active volcanoes in the world, the well-known Mount Vesuvius, is a must-see. It is a handy place to cover and is situated just outside the boundary of Naples.
6.Cosenza- For intellectual aficionados, a trip to Cosenza would surely be enlightening. The renowned Calabria University is one of the monuments, museums, libraries, and theaters that may be visited.
7.Catanzaro- For intellectual aficionados, a trip to Cosenza would surely be enlightening. The renowned Calabria University is one of the monuments, museums, libraries, and theaters that may be visited.
The Palermo Route
1.Orsini-Odescalchi Castle- A stunning site, the old castle of Orsini-Odescalchi is situated on the southern bank of Bracciano Lake.
2.Lago di Bracciano- At Bracciano Lake, lose yourself in the serene and unspoiled surroundings. The Bracciano Lake is ideal for a holiday since, like other lakes in Italy, it has gorgeous blue waters.
3.Civitavecchia- Spend some time seeing Civitavecchia, the historic city, before boarding a ferry to Palermo. Admire the ancient Roman monuments that have endured over the centuries.
4.Palermo- Palermo is often referred to be Sicily’s center. It is renowned for its exciting nightlife and is considered one of the must-see locations in Sicily 5.Castle Lanza Branciforte of Trabia- In the tiny town of Trabia, this stunning castle is a hidden treasure. The castle is ideal for a broad sea vista and looks out over the Palermo coast.
Both Routes
1.Messina- The charming harbor city of Messina connects Sicily Island to the rest of Italy.
2.Syracuse- Syracuse, which is renowned for its magnificent architecture and the influence of Greek and Roman history, is also known as the birthplace of Archimedes. Because of its charming elegance, you will also adore the pedestrian Ortigia Island.
3.Noto- Admire the azure ocean waves while on the NATO beaches in Sicily. NATO is among the numerous communities with rich baroque architecture that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
4.Mount Etna- Admire the azure ocean waves while on the NATO beaches in Sicily. NATO is among the numerous communities with rich baroque architecture that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ideal time to go on a road trip from Rome to Sicily
You may drive to Sicily at any time of year.. The area receives 2500 hours of sunshine year, and the climate is comfortable throughout the year. The diversity of the sites and scenery makes a hot summer vacation or a cold winter road trip worthwhile, even though the best times to visit Sicily are during the shoulder seasons.
Tourists travel to Sicily more frequently throughout the summer. On average, temperatures in the mid-thirties are perfect for lounging on the beach. The only drawback is the expensive lodging, which drives up the cost of the trip.
The best time to book this vacation is in the spring, when temperatures are between 20 and 30 degrees and lodging costs are affordable. As summer ends and October arrives, the temperature somewhat drops, but the number of visitors stays the same. Therefore, if you schedule your trip for early fall, it will be costly.
Sicily features a number of food and music events from March to June, which is another reason to choose the spring for your road trip. Sicily hosts numerous festivals all year long, with a timetable specific to each region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to drive from Rome to Sicily?
After traveling over 435 miles (700 km) by car from Rome, it takes only 30 minutes to take a ferry across the Strait of Messina to get to the island. You would then have to carry on to your ultimate destination in Sicily, which would take, for instance, slightly more than an hour to Catania and 2.5 hours to Palermo.
Where to stop between Rome and Sicily?
The best cities between Rome and Catania. Naples, Taormina, Pompeii, Tivoli, Salerno, Tropea, Reggio Calabria, Gaeta, Ravello, and Maratea are the best cities between Catania and Rome. The most visited city along the route is Naples. Rome is two hours away, and Catania is seven.
Do I need a permit to drive in Sicily?
Driving licenses from EEA and EU nations are recognized. Although not necessary, international driver’s licenses are accepted.
Which side of Sicily is best to visit?
The Vendicari Nature Reserve and the area surrounding the southern tip of Sicily, where endless expanses of sand follow the coast through Pozzallo, Marina di Modica, Sampieri, Donnalucata, Marina di Ragusa, and Punta Secca, are home to some of the island’s best beaches.
What is the prettiest place in Sicily?
One of Sicily’s most charming cities, Taormina is perched above the Ionian Sea and is renowned for its captivating views, lively streets, and Mediterranean charm. This village is the ideal illustration of how old history is still evident today.
Best time to visit from Rome to Sicily?
In general, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best seasons to visit Sicily for nice weather, fewer tourists, and fun activities; April, May, June, and October are cited as the finest months.
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